read a book

I think reading a good book is one of the best ways to give your mind a break. All day long, our string of thoughts never stops, and that never ending mental to do list keeps your mind at work. But taking some time to read a good book can take your focus completely off of everything else except the other world that is opened up when you read.

When I read a book, I get so enveloped in the character's mindset that it's as if I am the character themself. I am no longer thinking about everything that I have to do, but I get to think about the exciting things going on the character's life. It is an escape from the reality that becomes very mundane and boring at times when we live it every single day. While reality can get boring and, in turn, make you feel like your entire life is in a rut, reading an adventurous fantasy book, for example, can serve as an exciting outlet and give you something to look forward to. Sometimes, I can become so immersed in a book that I can't wait to read it when I wake up, after work or school, or before bed. I look forward to that break from my boring life and get to pretend that I live in this other world where I'm going on exciting missions and quests.

(Pinterest)

Reading a book can also serve as an escape for the stressful, scary times in life when you want to feel comforted by a book, and the character's world can distract you and give you a break from the stressors and struggles in your life. Sometimes, these breaks are a lifesaver when your mind is getting overwhelmed by a real-life problem. We often let these stressful moments in life consume our every thought until we get burnt out. Reading a book can serve as that break for your brain to stop working so hard. In these situations when I want to feel comforted by a book, I find that rereading an old book can be especially helpful. For instance, when I am in an overwhelming phase of life, I tend to read the book, My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. For me, this book is a calming escape from a stressful time in life. I know what is going to happen, so I can enjoy the peace of knowing that it will all work out. This specific book also reminds me to slow down in life, an essential reminder when going through a hectic time.

Even though I enjoy reading as a source of escape, I understand that this is not for everyone. However, I do not believe that scrolling through social media or watching reels or TikToks allows you to escape reality. When you're scrolling, you are still in touch with reality and may not achieve the same separation or break from your life that can be achieved by reading a book or doing a similar immersive activity. While I would suggest giving books a chance, I have also come up with some other ideas for activities to let your mind escape from reality if reading is not for you...

• Playing a video game (Animal Crossing is my personal favorite escape)

• Rearranging your room

• Listening to podcasts or audiobooks

• Coloring or another mindless form of art

• Doing puzzles

• Knitting or crocheting

These are just a few examples of activities that I find engage my mind completely, so I can enjoy a break from real life. I encourage you to try some of these activities the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of a mental break or come up with your own activity. Just think about something that you do which is calming but mentally engaging or stimulating.

Even when you think you are too busy to enjoy a break like this, you can always make some time for it. The issue is not how much time you have for a break; it's whether we prioritize making the time for the break or not. So, start prioritizing making the time for a mental break. While it may seem unproductive and a wasteful use of your time, it will benefit you overall, whether it is the exciting break from mundane reality that you need to get out of a rut or the escape your mind needed in order to avoid burning out.